America's past and present meet here. Finding himself at the central station in New York, the traveler feels like a participant in a Hollywood movie.
Capital of the world
New York is the capital of the world. This is what Pope John II called him. The population of the city is about 14 million people. In this city on Wall Street, the most important financial issues not only of America, but of the whole world are being resolved. The famous Fifth Avenue, the Empire State Building, the Statue of Liberty and many other interesting places can be found in this city. But it is better to start a sightseeing trip from the gates of the city.
Gates of new york
This building is recognizable at the first glance at it, because many famous films and cartoons were filmed here. Grand Central Station in New York or, as locals call it, Grand Central is the largest train station in the world. This building, during its construction at the end of the 19th century, was the tallest in Manhattan. The architectural solution is very interesting, in which the trains leave at the lower floor and their movement does not interfere with the contemplation of the beautiful interior of the station.
The central hall of the station is striking in its gigantic size. Infinitely distant as the sky, the emerald ceiling is decorated with inlays repeating the constellations. Built-in lamps increase the likeness of the starry sky. The central balcony of the hall has become a favorite place for photo sessions. Newlyweds love to be photographed here.
The clock in the center is another attraction. Their huge dials are made of opal, so the value of this historical value is estimated at millions of dollars. Grand Central is an iconic place in America, comparable to the Statue of Liberty.
Cleanliness is very carefully maintained here, and if it weren't for the trains, this beautiful building with huge windows through which the sunlight pours could be mistaken for a huge museum. It is worth coming here, even if you don't need to go anywhere, and observe people from the balcony. Some of them are in a hurry, others, sitting right on the floor, await their train. The atmosphere is so democratic that no one here pays attention to it.
About 750,000 visitors pass through the station building every day, and only 250,000 of them are passengers. Others come here just to look at the huge and beautiful hall, take some photos, visit numerous shops and boutiques, or just spend their free time here. For many visitors, this is the meeting point. Dating is usually done under an opal clock.
Famous restaurant
Many people come here to visit the very famous Oyster Bar & Restaurant. Before your eyes, the most famous dish of the freshest oysters will be cut and cooked here. The bartender will recommend wine for seafood, which will emphasize the taste of the dish.
A huge selection of fish and seafood, which will also arrive at your table very quickly, will satisfy any gourmet. This restaurant does not in any way resemble the station eateries. The decor is pleasant and the prices are affordable, as are the visitors. No one is surprised here to meet a Hollywood star in a cap and jeans at the table.
Meeting point
At the Grand Central, you can make an appointment under the famous clock. Travelers, after a pleasant meal in an oyster bar, in any of the many cafes here, or just after a cup of coffee in one of the best coffee shops in New York, Joe s, also located at the train station, go to conquer the sights of the big city.
For easy access to many interesting places in New York, it will be convenient to buy a city pass, which gives the right to attend a variety of excursions.
Rockefeller Center is just a stone's throw from here, offering beautiful views of the Empire State Building. The observation deck is open from eight in the morning until midnight. Nearby is the Museum of Modern Art, the famous Times Square, Central Park.
Leaving Central Station, you can stroll along the chic Fifth Avenue with its famous shops.
Shopping at the train station
Great shopping can be done right at the train station. Numerous boutiques and shops offer a huge selection of goods, ranging from products to new products from Apple.
Recently, a huge store of this flagship of advanced electronics and technology was opened here. The area of the new store is about two thousand square meters. It is much quieter here than in the stores of the same company in the city itself. On weekdays, the store is open from 7 am to 9 pm, which is very convenient for visitors. On Saturday and Sunday, the opening hours are from 11-00 to 18-00.
During the Christmas holidays, the station becomes a venue for various fairs and performances.
We also recommend:
- New York City Guide
- What to see in New York in 3 days
- Times Square in New York, USA
- Manhattan Bridge, New York, USA
- Memorial 9/11 in New York
This might come in handy
For an independent traveler who goes around all the sights on foot, the station can serve as a great resting place. Here you can not only eat and rest tired legs. Along with the beautiful interiors to be admired, there are free toilets here, which sometimes comes in handy.
Crime in New York, as in any big city, forces the traveler to be more circumspect in their behavior. The main thing is not to take a lot of money with you, stay away from dark streets and not ride the subway alone, especially in the evening.
How to get there on your own
Grand Central Station is located in mid-Manhattan and can be reached by metro or buses # M42, X22, X22A, X31, X68.
Have a nice trip!
